POLITICAL figures from across the parties were in Malton ahead of this week’s delayed General Election poll.

Liberal Democrat MP Simon Hughes joined Parliamentary candidate Howard Keal to meet voters in the town’s Market Place yesterday.

Mr Hughes said that the situation in the Malton and Thirsk seat was comparable to a by-election, where residents could not change the national Government, but still had the chance to vote for their local MP.

He said: “This is more about the MPs themselves, and in Howard we have someone who, along with his wife, Di, has been involved in political and public life for 20 years.”

He added that every vote would count in Thursday’s election, which was delayed after the death of the UKIP candidate John Boakes.

Mr Hughes said: “This seat could become a Liberal Democrat flagship which would be noticed by the Government.”

Also in Malton was Conservative Party co-chairman Sayeeda Warsi to support Anne McIntosh.

Baroness Warsi said: “I am delighted to be here in Yorkshire to support Anne, and it is important she is elected here to work as part of the coalition Government.

“This is Thirsk and Malton’s opportunity to turn out and vote for the Member of Parliament that they want and I strongly believe they will be best represented by Anne.”

Supporting Labour’s Jonathan Roberts was the shadow housing minister John Healey, who met voters in Rainbow Lane, Malton.

Mr Healey, who stood for Ryedale in the 1992 General Election, said: “It was good to be back on home turf and work with Jonathan, another local lad.

“He is a hard worker, who is from the area and knows what the area needs, and will provide a good strong voice for Thirsk and Malton.”

Also standing in the election are Liberal John Clark and UKIP’s Toby Horton.